Location: Espousal Center, 554 Lexington St. Waltham, MA 02452
Date: April 17, 2012

• Demonstration by Mrs. Akiko Hosho Bourland

What is the connection between an Ohara demonstration and the Cherry Blossom Festival? The Boston Chapter was treated to an elegant demonstration by Ohara Grand Master Akiko Bourland from San Diego, CA. Ms. Bourland’s eight arrangements exemplified natural scenery as is consistant with the basic principles established by Unshin Ohara when the Ohara school was established at the end of the 19th century.

Her varied arrangements began with a simple moribana style and moved on to free style. An outstanding arrangement was one of the newer styles where a tall vase was surrounded by small flat containers encircling the base. Here, one or two of the same materials must be used for unification. The finale was a Rimpa style, featuring Cherry blossoms in this landscape design. The choice of Cherry blossoms was a tribute to the 100th anniversary of Japan’s gift of 3,000 Cherry trees to the USA and planted in Washington, DC. Cuttings, from the original Cherry trees were taken, and 27 of these trees were planted on Boston Common on April18, 2012, as another living reminder of international friendship and nature’s beauty.

Akiko Bourland conducted two half-day Ohara workshops on Wednesday, April 18, 2012.